James 1:12, 17-18, Psalm 94:18-19, Mark 8:14, 16-21

James 1:12, 16-18

12 Happy are those who patiently endure trials, because afterwards they will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him. 17 Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of Light, in whom there is no change or shadow of a change. 18 By his own will he gave us life through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of offering to him among his creatures.

Suffering borne in the right spirit has immense power to tranform, to strengthen, to purify and to make whole.  Every experience of suffering received helps the spirit to emerge victorious.  It is a powerful witness to faith and love and it has the power to bring souls to Christ.  If we accept our sufferings as a good and perfect gift given to us by God Himself then we become a love offering to Christ in the world.

Psalm 94:18-19

18 No sooner did I say, “My foot is slipping,” your kindness, O Lord, held me up.19 The more worries and trouble assailed me, the more you consoled me.

How beautiful and how true these verses are my Beloved.  Thank You for the consolation of Your holy Word.

James 8:14-21

14 The disciples had forgotten to bring more bread and had only one loaf with them in the boat. 16 And they said to one another, “He saw that we have no bread.” 17 Aware of this, Jesus asked them, “Why are you talking about the loaves you are short of? Do you not see or understand? Are your minds closed? 18 Have you eyes that don’t see and ears that don’t hear? And do you not remem¬ber 19 when I broke the five loaves among five thousand? How many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?” They answered, “Twelve.” 20 “And having seven loaves for the four thousand, how many wicker baskets of leftovers did you collect?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 Then Jesus said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

When we think in the flesh, we who ought to know better, are a big disappointment to You.  We are like the psalmist says in Psalm 72:9  'enemies who lick the dust,' because our minds are trapped on earthly things.

My Beloved, in every situation You have the power to work mightily and it pleases You immensely to work wonders if we look up to You with expectant faith.  Praise You Lord for all the wonders You have done and continue to do.  Alleluia!!!!!